I cannot tell you how much I needed to read this book at this time in my life. I came out about six years ago, and it was easily the most traumatic experience in my entire life. I'm not exaggerating that point. I still have nightmares about the experience and how I was treated, the backlash, the comments and the hate.
When I stumbled across this book, I knew it was the right book at the right time - you know, one of those books that comes into your life at the perfect moment and leaves a lasting impact.
I felt that I was right along with Astrid on her journey. I knew what she was feeling because I had been there. I knew how much it hurt, I knew the level of confusion, I knew the fear.
There were a couple of quotes in the book that hit me, and hit me hard - as if I had spoken them myself - quotes that I knew exactly how she felt in that moment because I had been there. I am there.
For anyone who is looking for a good contemporary read, this is it. This book touched me in ways that I can't even begin to explain. I'll leave you with these two quotes..
"I see what you're trying to say. But you're wrong. I mean, when did you first know you were gay? And did you tell anyone on that first day? Who is anyone to tell me when to talk about something so personal?"
"And if any of you have a problem with any of it, then it's your problem. Being gay is hard enough without having to worry about your family being weird about it."So, a big, amazing, THANK YOU to A.S. King who wrote this amazing book that in many ways helped me heal and really discover who I am.
